Childhood dreams granted in WWE’s return to Manila

Brothers Paul (Center) and Sam Evardone meet with Big Show at Mall of Asia Arena music hall.

Professional wrestling has always been a one-of-a-kind spectacle, one that has captivated the minds of kids of all ages.

The characters, the storylines, and the skills of the athletes have never failed to capture the interest of the fans in all shapes and sizes.

And with the WWE returning to Manila on September 9, a dream shared by two brothers will finally come true.

Meet Paul and Sam Evardone, lifelong WWE fans.

“Sabay kaming nanonood ni kuya,” said the 22-year-old Sam, who won meet-and-greet passes through INQUIRER’s promo. “As early as WrestleMania XX, we’ve been watching the WWE.”

Wearing a green John Cena shirt, the 25-year-old Paul gleefully participated in the meet-and-greet event with the Big Show on Tuesday at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, not letting his Down syndrome stop him from having the time of his life as he and his younger brother waited in line.

“I’m very, very happy. He’s so big and I’m so small,” said an elated Paul, a self-professed Undertaker fan, after meeting the 7-foot giant.

Paul Evardone, a huge Big Show fan. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

His younger brother is just as happy to share the moment.

“Sabi lang ni Big Show, thanks for coming here. Sabi din nya buddy nya si kuya Paul and he appreciates na dumating kami,” said Sam.

Despite his hectic schedule as an editor, Sam has made it a point to make his brother’s wishes come true. When the news of the event broke out, he took time to be one of the early birds to purchase tickets.

“Sobrang excited namin. I sneaked out of the office and got tickets from SM Aura. I was one of the first guys who got one,” he said.

Though Sam wished that he could at least have gotten closer seats to watch their favorite wrestlers, the Evardones are already content that they will be able to catch the action from the lower box.

“Kung kaya lang, yung ringside sana ang bibilhin namin,” he said.

But no matter where they are seated, the Evardone brothers are delighted to be part of the raucous crowd cheering the WWE stars as they blow the roof off Mall of Asia Arena.

“It’s one of the best gifts I can give to him,” said Sam. “Doon umiikot ang buhay ni kuya. He always talks about wrestling, from school, nakatutok lang sya sa PSP and waiting for updates from the WWE App. It’s really a childhood dream for us na manood this September.”

“Sobrang excited na talaga namin. It’s our first time na papanoorin sila ng live. It really means a lot to us.”